Dorothy Smith almost fainted when she heard the news that her book was ready for publication.
As a former educator and principal, Smith wanted to create a children’s book to teach positive characteristics like the importance of sharing, apologies, acceptance, unity and inclusion in elementary classrooms.
The book, illustrated by Scott DuBar, follows Zippy Buzzy Bee through a school day in different classrooms and during a field trip. The bee listens and observes children’s reactions to situations commonly found in a school environment.
“Consequences without love and without modeling character leads to disaster,” Smith said.
Each page highlights an aspect of good character. For example, part of the book reads “Acceptance means to appreciate others when they are different and understand when they make mistakes.”
Smith and co-author Deborah Cross, of Charlotte, North Carolina, wrote the book with 4- to 8-year-olds in mind.
The two authors met for coffee after a brief encounter at a church in Georgia. Cross expressed interest in writing a book and Smith explained her experience publishing a title about 10 years prior.
Zippy Buzzy Bee released this March after a four year long process, which included research for the clothing of the characters and writing the content. The duo decided to donate a portion of each book sold to the nonprofit Be Kind Empowerment, Inc.
Smith moved to Ridgefield to be closer to her daughter and three teenage grandsons, she said.
Before starting her expansive education career, Smith studied at Mississippi Valley State University for her bachelor’s degree, and then received her master’s degree in special education from Northeastern University.
Smith taught elementary, junior high, high school and university students. She also worked as an educational consultant to help implement character development programs in Illinois, South Carolina and Georgia.
“I realized that children are children regardless of where they are and who they are,” Smith said. “Once I became an administrator, I started observing children and their demeanor. It all traced back to parental involvement.”
Her ex-husband was an active military member, which meant Smith moved several times. Her husband’s work even brought them to Iceland and then Greece for three years.
“I followed him and I really enjoyed it,” Smith said. “It gave me a different perspective on life itself, particularly in the educational realm.”
When she wasn’t teaching Greek adults English two nights a week, she’d find herself walking down to local markets. The base she lived on had about 75 military personnel and around 15 percent of them brought their families along.
“We became one, big happy family there,” Smith said.
Zippy Buzzy Bee can be purchased online at zippybuzzy beebook.com.
